Motorists face 'fit-to-drive' health checks every 10 years .

Drivers face health tests every ten years to ensure they are fit to be behind the wheel, it was revealed today.
Motorists will be able to choose whether to take the tests, but risk a
criminal record if they are later found to fall short of standards.
They will have to declare themselves fit to drive every decade, with
the option of submitting themselves to the £80 examinations for new
physical and mental requirements.The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority is to issue a series of guidelines covering eyesight and reaction times.



Tens of thousands of elderly people could be prevented from getting behind a wheel under the new restrictions.A spokesman for the DVLA said that the agency was considering options ahead of a full consultation in the new year.
Officials
believe the current system, under which the onus is on drivers to
inform the DVLA of medical conditions, is not working.
Projections show there could be 3million drivers aged over 70 on Britain’s roads by 2021.

Figures show over-70s are three times more likely to be killed
or seriously injured in collisions than those aged 40-65, according to
the Association of British Insurers.
The Department of Transport is hoping to tie in the health checks with the renewal of photocard licences.
The AA said the plans could isolate older people who rely on their vehicles.
A spokesman for disability group Motability said the tests would provide 'peace of mind' for drivers.
A
DfT spokesman said: 'Increasing car use, changes in the population’s
health and medical advances mean demands on the health and driver
licensing system are very different from those of 30 years ago when it
was established.'



I would say it does not go far enough i would say every five years myself .

hope they bring it in here as well.some of our very very elderly drivers are an accident waiting to happen

That's me buggered. Better go and get a bus pass.